The 22-story International Beach Resort in Surfers Paradise will soon make way for a new 90-story residential tower at 84-88 The Esplanade by property giant Meriton. The developer has purchased the Surfers Paradise Boulevard site for AUD$58 million (USD$44.5 million) in a deal that closes on February 28.

Originally named Apollo and built in the 1960s, the 22-story International Beach Resort now sits vacant, waiting for demolition as early as March 2017. It is expected that construction will commence on the new, yet-to-be-named tower in June this year, pending development application (DA) approval.

At 300 meters and 90 stories, the tower would end up taller than the under-construction Spirit Tower’s 298-meter height and have more floors than the 78-story Q1 Tower.

Meriton Founder Harry Triguboff told the Gold Coast Bulletin that the region was displaying new-found vibrancy, giving him the confidence to make the big investment. “The Surfers site is the best in town – the sort of property I’ve always dreamed of having on the Gold Coast,” said Triguboff. “With a site like this one, the sky’s the limit and we will do the Gold Coast proud.”

Designed by SJB Architects, the project boasts a clever design that will give all of the 270 serviced apartments and 300 residential apartments in the development direct ocean views. The tower’s design has been split into three unique tiers, each with colored glass panels and a circular illuminated halo that creates a beacon effect at night.

An Art Deco-inspired podium will feature a large timber deck, lobby café, restaurants, and separate pools and recreation facilities for hotel guests and apartment owners.

Details are finishing up on the development application, which is set to be submitted by the end of February.

If all goes according to plan for Meriton founder Harry Triguboff, his company will soon begin construction of a 90-storey supertall residential tower along the beautiful shoreline of Surfers Paradise in Gold Coast. The Brisbane-area resort town has long been a popular destination for sun-seekers in Queensland, Australia. To be designed by SJB Architects, the modern glass-clad 84-88 Esplanade will soar above its neighbours. Many of Gold Coast's hotels, apartment blocks, and condo towers date back to the 1960s heyday of surf culture for which the area is famous.